Zach Brass
Coke, Pepsi, Sprite – by now, you’ve probably seen various nicknames given to different configurations of bi-color bezels. Generally, GMT watches come with a 24-hour bezel with a lighter shade representing the morning hours and a darker shade representing the evening. While color combinations such as Pepsi (blue and red) and Coke (black and red) are more historical, the nicknamed Batman (blue and black) bezel configuration has been a modern staple since 2013 when the 1166710BLNR first debuted. Since then, the watch has become an absolute fan favorite, but the aforementioned Rolex is undoubtedly one that’s hard to come by at retail. Below are some of the best Batman bezel watches you can actually buy.
Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT 39mm
At the more affordable end, one would have thought we would see the Timex Q, but it appears the Batman bezel configuration has been removed from the company’s website. The good news is that Timex still has a Batman bezel watch listed that I actually like: the Waterbury Traditional GMT 39mm. It’s a watch that I think could be dressed up with a new strap, but it’s also a sporty watch with 100m water resistance and a Tropic-style rubber strap. This stainless steel quartz Timex looks like a monopusher chronograph, but of course it isn’t. This pusher advances the GMT hand by one hour, making it very easy to adjust this complication. It offers an entry-level solution at an entry-level price, with case dimensions of 39mm in diameter and 22.5mm thick, making it a reasonable buy. Price: $199 USD
Mido Ocean Star 39
Taking a step up into entry-level mechanical watches, the Mido Ocean Star 39 is the only watch on this list of best Batman bezel watches that only displays the time and date, not GMT. It’s not common to see a two-tone bezel on a dive watch without GMT functionality, but it works well here. If you leave the bezel in the default alignment, the bezel color will blend in with the Ocean Star’s gradient and wavy textured dial. The 39mm case is just 10.5mm thick, but it’s a sturdy watch. It’s water resistant to 200m with a screw-down crown and is powered by a reliable ETA-based automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. All for just… Price: $1,100 USD
Citizen Series 8 GMT
If you’re in the same price range as the Mido and want to step up to GMT, you should consider the Citizen Series 8 GMT. For just a few hundred dollars more, the Series 8 GMT is a “true GMT” watch with an independently adjustable hour hand. It’s also the first and only integrated bracelet watch on this list, boasting a 41.5mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, and a water resistance of 100 meters that makes it suitable for everyday use. Inside is an in-house automatic caliber with a 50-hour power reserve. Price: USD 1,495
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
Described as an entry-level luxury item, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT is a sturdy and beautiful watch. Its rich blue textured dial is sure to catch the eye, but watch buffs will first notice the unusually placed Cyclops lens above the date window at 6 o’clock. It’s water resistant to 300 meters and is powered by a chronometer-certified automatic movement. The TH31-03 automatic movement inside is made by Sellita, but the manufacturing improvements prove valuable when you realize that the power reserve has been extended to 80 hours. Price: USD 4,000 (steel strap), USD 4,200 (steel bracelet)
Seiko Prospex LX SNR033
Unfortunately, Grand Seiko Sports Spring Drive GMT watches often come with a two-tone rehaut rather than a two-tone bezel, and those that do have one are blue and white rather than blue and black. Luckily, in this list of the best Batman bezels, Seiko comes to the rescue with the Prospex LX SNR033 Spring Drive GMT. The Seiko Prospex SNR033 is a more premium Seiko offering, with enhanced exterior finishes and powered by an in-house automatic Spring Drive movement. The 5R66 has a 72-hour power reserve and features a date, true GMT, and power reserve display. It also has Lumibrite coating on all the hands and indexes, so they all glow in the dark, although I do notice that the center seconds counterweight is coated with luminous paint rather than the tip. Made from high-strength titanium, water resistant to 100 meters, and with a large and attractive size of 44.8mm x 14.7mm, and a compact 50.9mm lug-to-lug for its diameter, this Seiko is a great watch with its Batman bezel. If you prefer a Hulk-like hue, it comes in that configuration, too. Price: $5,500
T+T Timeless Pick: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR
Real Batman watches, stand up! From now on, if you are asked to name the watch with the “Batman” bezel, the first mention will always be the Rolex GMT-Master II. That’s why the nickname exists. In fact, it’s various Rolex watches that gave rise to this bezel nomenclature. As for the origin of the nickname, the crown is indeed the crown. You’ll be hard pressed to find one in stores. Price: $10,900 USD
